M37 Restoration (53-41242)

[Wayne Hingley]

I’m definitely not a sign painter, and grossly lacking in artistic talent, but rather than use vinyl decals I wanted to have hand painted markings on this truck. I’m marking this truck to represent the regular force Canadian Black Watch from the 1950’s and 60’s. Unfortunately the two Black Watch regular force battalions were disbanded by Trudeau in July 1970.

Thanks to some guidance fro Rob L, I got the proper sign lettering paint and took a stab at my first unit sign. It’s a bit choppy, but from a few feet away, it looks ok. I still like it better than “perfect” vinyl decals. I may have my son do the golden maple leaf, as he is more talented with a paint brush. More to follow on that...

Here is what I have done so far:

[rob love]

Wayne
Not bad for a first try, but yes, the choppiness shows. The trick is to relax and do the edge in a long steady stroke, with the hand supported if need be. If the piece can be paid flat, like a tailgate or an individual sign-plate, then even better. If you go slightly over the lines, that is fine. If you go way over, or (shudder) get a run, then you can always put red over top of the mistakes later.



Paint is not a decal, and the numbering or lettering can be a little wider or thinner in spots. Nobody will notice, or those that do will appreciate the hand painting.

[Ed Storey]

Originally Posted by Wayne Hingley

I’m definitely not a sign painter, and grossly lacking in artistic talent, but rather than use vinyl decals I wanted to have hand painted markings on this truck. I’m marking this truck to represent the regular force Canadian Black Watch from the 1950’s and 60’s. Unfortunately the two Black Watch regular force battalions were disbanded by Trudeau in July 1970.

Thanks to some guidance fro Rob L, I got the proper sign lettering paint and took a stab at my first unit sign. It’s a bit choppy, but from a few feet away, it looks ok. I still like it better than “perfect” vinyl decals. I may have my son do the golden maple leaf, as he is more talented with a paint brush. More to follow on that...

Here is what I have done so far:

Wayne, good job on the Arm of Service markings and I am pleased to see that you are reproducing known markings that were applied to your vehicle. Just to clarify things, the markings that you are reproducing were promulgated in 1960 and a 9 on a red square represents an infantry battalion but was not Black Watch specific. You might enjoy this 1960s image taken in Germany.

M40A1 106mm Recoilless Rifle - Germany, 1960.jpg

[rob love]

Well Wayne, compared to the 9 in Ed's photo, you are a regular Rembrandt.

[Wayne Hingley]

Great photo Ed! Thanks for sharing that one, and for the info on unit marking serials not being Black Watch specific (I didnt know that). The information provided by Dan in post 87, regarding Black Watch using serials 8 & 9 coupled with photos I found in Gagetown, along with your info and photo have increased my understanding of the unit signs used by the Black Watch during that period of time.

Rob: you are right... Its the flow of the long steady brushstroke that Im lacking. That's what I meant about the lack of artistic talent. That flow and steady hand is not automatic. I definitely need to practice a bit before attempting the markings on the hood. I have a lot of hours of work invested in that hood, and Im stressed out about screwing it up. Which is counter to your advice of being relaxed!

The unit sign in Ed's photo above, gives me a bit of comfort and reassurance that the 9 doesn't need to be "perfect".

[chris vickery]

When I’ve done painted markings I always cheated; made a paint mask stencil then filled it in with a brush, removing the stencil once it racked up.
Nice job anyways!

[rob love]

Perhaps, maybe, you need to partake of our governments recently legalized relaxant before you paint. Personally, I will live with the sober results.



Hand painted is hand painted, complete with it's imperfections. Look at a hand painted store window sometimes with a critical eye and you will see what I mean. They are far from perfect, but pleasing non-the less.

[Wayne Hingley]

With some touch-ups to improve the 9 a bit and the leaf added, this is the final product.

[Dan Martel]

Originally Posted by Wayne Hingley

With some touch-ups to improve the 9 a bit and the leaf added, this is the final product.

Looks good to me.

Dan.